Children and families practitioner jobs in Manchester

The On Demand Shift Manager provides operational leadership, clinical oversight and shift coordination for the On Demand bereavement support services which operate Mondays through Fridays 8am to 8pm. The role ensures that children, young people, and adults receive timely, safe and compassionate responses to bereavement needs through digital and on-demand channels.

In addition to line managing the On Demand Bereavement Specialists, the post holder also works on shift as part of the delivery rota to support the team directly, provide real-time guidance, and covers frontline services gaps. This blended role combines hands-on leadership, active service participation, and quality assurance, promoting excellent clinical standards, safeguarding practice, and a culture of learning and care. The post holder will work closely with the Head of On Demand Services to ensure that On Demand Services remain responsive, trauma-informed and aligned with best practice and organisational priorities.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

· Lead and coordinate daily On Demand service operations to ensure timely and effective response to live support requests

· Working closely with the other On Demand Shift Managers, manage team rotas, shift allocations, and cover arrangements to maintain consistent staffing and service continuity

· Provide real-time oversight during active service hours, offering guidance on case complexity, prioritisation and risk management

· Work on shift as part of service delivery to provide direct bereavement support, model best practice and ensure adequate cover during periods of high demand or staff absence

· Ensure service efficiency through proactive communication, timely handovers, and smooth transitions between shifts

· Support the Head of On Demand Services in monitoring resourcing, workflows and performance metrics

·  Offer live, on-shift supervision and mentorship to On Demand Bereavement Specialists, ensuring quality and consistency of interventions

· Support staff in making safe, informed, and trauma-sensitive decisions in line with organisational safeguarding policies

· Provide clinical leadership for the On Demand Bereavement Specialists on shift, offering case consultation and decision-making support particularly in high-risk, ethically complex or emotionally intense presentations

· Hold clinical responsibility for the most complex service users on shift, supporting staff to formulate risk, decide on interventions, and coordinate onward referrals or emergency responses in line with organisational policies and processional codes of ethics

· Model high standards of clinical thinking, boundaries and self-care, supporting staff and volunteers to manage vicarious trauma, moral distress and the emotional impact of working on an On Demand service

· Facilitate reflective debriefing following challenging or traumatic cases to maintain staff wellbeing and service stability

· Ensure all support aligns with the NICE (2004) Level 2 psychological intervention framework and current evidence-based practice

· Foster a compassionate, psychologically safe team culture that prioritises practitioner wellbeing, resilience, vicarious trauma awareness and continuous learning from service delivery

· Collaborate with the Head of On Demand Services on workforce planning, recruitment, induction and succession to maintain service resilience and capacity

Communication and Relationships

· Communicate clearly and sensitively within the organisation and with external partners, including parents, carers and professionals across social care, education, health and mental health services (i.e. schools, social services, CAMHS, CMHTs and/or GPs)

· Provide clear, supportive and trauma-informed communication to bereaved children, young people and adults during live shifts, adapting approach to age, crisis level and digital medium

· Offer real-time guidance, debriefing and constructive feedback to On Demand Bereavement Specialists during shifts, promoting consistent standards and shared learning

· Build collaborative relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders to support integrated care pathways

· Communicate effectively with the Head of On Demand Services and senior leadership on shift incidents, risks, service pressures and quality improvements, escalating appropriately

· Handle sensitive feedback, complaints and critical incidents with empathy, transparency and solution focus, maintaining trust with internal and external stakeholders

· Adapt communication style and approach to suit the needs, preferences, and emotional states of children, young people and adults, including those with neurodiverse profiles or communication difficulties

· Provide clear, compassionate explanations of support options, safeguarding procedures, and next steps to children, young people, adults and families

· Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and adults

· Respond to challenging or emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and a focus on empathy and support

· Ensure accurate and timely documentation of communications and decisions in line with organisational policies and data protection regulations

Knowledge, training and experience

· Assess and engage in interventions with children, young people and/or adults in accordance with best practice

· Complete comprehensive psychosocial assessments which include assessments of risk and determining appropriate level of response/intervention

· Deliver targeted pre/post bereavement support and interventions utilising a range of therapeutic and psychosocial techniques, working within level 2 of the NICE (2004) psychological framework

· Advanced understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, families and adults

· Apply sound clinical judgment and maintain professional accountability for practice in line with national standards, organisational policies, and personal relevant professional Code of Conduct

· Maintain knowledge about current, evidence-based practice

· To maintain a personal profile of professional development in accordance with professional requirements/governing bodies

· Demonstrate knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures

· Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults, and the Mental Capacity Act, providing advice and guidance to colleagues and partner agencies where appropriate

· Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery

· Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities

Analytical and judgment skills

· Strong ability to make rapid, sound clinical and safeguarding judgments during live shifts, assessing risk, prioritising cases and deciding on immediate interventions or escalations

· Analyse real-time service data to optimise shift deployment, identify trends and recommend operational improvements

· Alongside the Head of On Demand Services critically evaluate team performance, recordings, transcripts and audits to provide targeted service or staff development, mitigate practice drift and uphold clinical governance standards

· Exercise exceptional professional judgment in assessing the emotional, psychological, and social needs of children, young people, and adults pre and post bereavement and in the delivery of immediate on demand support

· Analyse complex information gathered through assessment, observation, and communication to identify individual needs, risks, and strengths

· Recognise and manage situations that involve ambiguity, uncertainty, or emotional intensity, drawing on supervision and established frameworks for professional support

· Apply a trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate lens to clinical decision-making, ensuring sensitivity to cultural, social, and contextual factors influencing grief

· Contribute actively to meetings, clinical supervision, peer supervision, case discussions, and service reviews to plan, coordinate, and evaluate strategies of care and support

· Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform clinical practice, service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring

· Planning and organisational skills

· Strong shift and staff coordination

· Plan and organise work autonomously while engaging collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers to support coordinated care and seamless service delivery

· Support in the organisation of comprehensive quality assurance processes including shift audits, case sampling, outcome tracking and compliance monitoring

· Plan and deliver team training, drills and simulations for crisis scenarios, digital tool proficiency and new protocols, ensuring readiness for peaks in bereavement demand

· Provide cover and support for On Demand Support Service staff during periods of absence or high demand

· Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation in accordance with confidentiality, data protection, and statutory requirements

· Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness

· Contribute to the development of efficient, evidence-based practices by supporting team planning, service evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives

Person Specification

· Level 4 qualification (or above) in counselling, psychotherapy, clinical psychology, counselling psychology or arts psychotherapy Current registration with a professional body (ie. HCPC, BACP, UKCP, NCPS)

· Current registration with a professional body (ie. HCPC, BACP, UKCP, NCPS)

· Evidence of relevant continuing professional development

· Experience of leading a team, ideally in bereavement, palliative care, mental health or closely related fields

· Experience with digital platforms

· Proven track record of successfully managing multidisciplinary teams delivering services to complex service users and complex safeguarding and risk issues involving children and adults

· Proven skills in managing teams and change successfully

· Experience of working therapeutically with children and young people

· Experience of working therapeutically with adults

· Robust knowledge of the emotional and psychological impact of bereavement and the needs of bereaved children, young people, families and adults

· Strong understanding of grief, loss and trauma across the life course, and of evidence-based bereavement interventions for children, young people and adults

· Deep understanding and knowledge of psychological theories, therapeutic interventions and models of grief work for children, young people and adults, and their effective application in practice

· Able to make clear psychological assessments inclusive of risk, safeguarding and mental health needs for children, young people and adults

·  Expert knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures

· Strong leadership, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels and work collaboratively across teams and organisations.

· Strong understanding of change management and how best to implement change

· Excellent communication skills both verbal and written

· Attention to detail and produces reports and information to a consistently high standard

· Ability to manage time effectively, meeting deadlines while maintaining quality and accuracy

· Ability to successfully work collaboratively with colleagues, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and engage others positively

· Ability to deliver effective support, supervision, and line management to staff and volunteers, fostering professional growth and accountability

· Model high levels of personal integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct

· Bring passion and enthusiasm for delivering high quality digital first bereavement services to children, young people, families and adults

Benefits

· 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.

· TOIL for our hours work.

· Contributory pension scheme.

· Company sick pay.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Life assurance.

· Training loans.

· Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 17th June 2026 at midnight

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Please refer to our recruitment pack for further details on the interview process.

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly organised individual with either registered healthcare status or an experienced commissioner of healthcare services and a passion for supporting people with long-term health conditions like ME.

As Clinical Lead, you will play a pivotal role in the delivery and development of our Healthcare Services. As our CQC Registered Manager, you will play a critical role in supporting the team and assuring effective and safe services for people with ME of all ages and their families.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will also play a pivotal role in developing our services, drive performance and optimise processes, and enhance service delivery to take action with impact to better support individuals living with ME.

Job Purpose   

Working closely with the Director of Operations, the Clinical Lead will play a pivotal role in leading and developing Action for ME’s clinical Healthcare Services, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care for individuals affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). The postholder will be responsible for clinical oversight, service development, and leadership, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance outcomes for children and adults with ME and will be the CQC Registered Manager for the service.  

At present, Healthcare Services is a small team with two physiotherapists and one doctor (specialist GP), with plans to recruit more.

We are keen to develop and expand our services, building on the small amount of spot purchasing from local commissioning boards and exploring a diagnosing and prescribing offer. We are also keen to explore the potential of increasing the range of disciplines offered within the team. You will play a key role in contributing to, and delivering, the strategy for our Healthcare Services.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Provide clinical support and expertise to Action for ME's Healthcare Services, ensuring evidence-based, person-centred care.  
• Act as Registered Manager for CQC (Care Quality Commission) purposes and ensure that the service meets all required standards.   
• Lead the development and implementation of clinical policies, protocols, and best practices in line with national guidelines and regulatory requirements.  
• Supervise and support healthcare professionals within the service, offering guidance, mentorship, and training.  
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including NHS services, researchers, and others, to enhance healthcare provision for people with ME.  
• Ensure the service complies with regulatory and safeguarding standards, including CQC requirements where applicable.  
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, using data-driven insights to improve clinical outcomes and patient experience.  
• Provide expert advice on complex cases, supporting the team with clinical decision-making.  
• Designated Safeguarding Officer for Healthcare Services.   
• Represent Action for ME at external forums, conferences, and policy discussions.   

Person specification
All criteria noted below are essential requirements of the role.

Qualifications

• A registered healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist) with active professional registration (GMC, NMC, HCPC or equivalent) OR an experienced commissioner of healthcare services with experience of quality assurance, safeguarding and compliance. 

Experience and Knowledge

• Extensive clinical experience in chronic illness management OR sound understanding of clinical practice, ideally with expertise in ME or related conditions and a clear understanding of the challenges faced by people with ME.  
• An understanding of Care Quality Commission regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership experience in a healthcare setting, including team management and service development.  
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and clinical governance.  
• A sound understanding and experience of safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults.
• Experience in training and mentoring healthcare professionals.  
• Knowledge of NHS structures and commissioning processes.  
• An understanding of working within the third sector or charitable organisations.

Skills and Behaviours

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and the ability to quickly learn relevant bespoke software systems.

Attitudes

• Commitment to patient-centred care and advocacy for people with ME.  

Community Fundraising Assistant - North 

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - North, to join our Community and Digital Fundraising team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in either Scotland, North East England, North West England or the East Midlands? 

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Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack which is included within this advert.​​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

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We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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